Ghanaian singer Dennis Nana Dwamena, popularly known as KiDi, has revealed that he was once told his style of music would never make him a strong contender for the coveted Artiste of the Year prize at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA).

Looking back on his career, KiDi said the comment came from an industry personality during the early stages of his journey and stayed with him until the night he eventually won the award.

He recalled that the person believed another artiste was more suited to the category because of the kind of songs KiDi was producing.

“They said, ‘As for you, KiDi, the type of music you do is not for Artiste of the Year. We’ll package you differently, but your brother is the one who does Artiste of the Year type of songs,’” he said.

KiDi admitted that the remark was painful at the time, but his subsequent success helped him move beyond the doubts surrounding his music.

“It was sad for me hearing that, but I had overcome that with all the work that I had done. Sitting in that moment, knowing it was a possibility for me to win, there was a lot happening,” he admitted.

The ‘Touch It’ hitmaker said winning the award was particularly emotional because he knew how unlikely some people had considered the achievement earlier in his career.

He also described the moment his name was announced as almost surreal, revealing that the excitement was so overwhelming that he barely remembers what he said in his acceptance speech.

“I don’t remember anything I said on that stage. I know I said words, but I blanked out. The euphoria of being on that stage… I don’t know how to describe it. Being recognised for creating something out of nothing is just a surreal feeling,” he added.

Beyond his personal achievement, KiDi said he remains interested in the TGMAs because the ceremony brings together Ghana’s leading musicians, songs and performances in one setting.

“I look forward to seeing all the talents in one place, all the songs that have taken over the year in one place, the glitz, the glamour, the stage performances and even the drama. Every year it brings drama, and I always look forward to it,” Kidi noted.

KiDi’s reflection serves as a reminder of how early judgments about an artiste’s potential can be overturned through consistency, creativity and commercial success. What was once described as music unsuitable for the industry’s top honour ultimately earned him the very recognition he was told was beyond his reach.

Watch the interview below:

@kafuidey7 At the beginning of my career, I was told that my kind of music wasn’t the ‘Artiste of the Year’ type – @KiDi Check my YOUTUBE channel (@kafuideymc) for full interview #KafuiDeyInterviews #foryoupage❤️❤️ #viralvideo ♬ Still (Here) – Eric Sublett

Source: Yvonne Nyarko Agyemang